The Attack on the Liberia Annual Conference: A Call to Action for the United Methodist Church

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Special to United Methodist Insight | March 5, 2025

In the tranquil atmosphere of community worship, a troubling storm brews within The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC). It is with deep concern that we bring attention to the alarming actions perpetuated by members of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) and their surrogates here in Liberia—including notable figures such as Rev. Jerry Kulah, Olando Boyce, and Rev. Julius Williams, etc These individuals are accused of orchestrating violence and chaos against our beloved UMC, employing thugs and criminals to disrupt our sacred gatherings and sow discord among our congregations.

On March 1, 2025, the first Sunday following the 192nd Annual Conference — a time of transition and renewal for our church — marked a pivotal moment fraught with tension. The surrogates of the GMC exploited this sacred occasion, allegedly sending paid thugs to create disturbances amidst our worship services, all under the pretense that Bishop Quire had appointed "gay pastors" to various churches. Such fabrications not only misrepresent the church's values but are also a blatant attempt to destabilize the UMC at a time when unity and peace are paramount.

A poignant example of this unrest occurred at the Dwahzon United Methodist Church in Margibi County, where over 300 devoted congregants gathered for worship. They were met with hostility, as more than 30 supporters of the GMC appeared, claiming rights over the same space. This situation escalated to the point where police intervention was necessary; they instructed both parties to refrain from entering the church building until a court could adjudicate the rightful ownership. In a commendable display of faith and resolve, the UMC members sought refuge in the Bishop Judith Craig Children's Village to continue their worship.

However, their pursuit of peace was short-lived. As the service progressed, surrogates of the GMC mobilized criminals to harass the worshippers, throwing stones onto the roof and into the vicinity of the gathering. This reckless act endangered the lives of those present, damaging vehicles and disrupting a sacred occasion meant for prayer and fellowship.

Another distressing incident unfolded at the 72nd UMC in Monrovia. Here, known disruptors Kenneth Jackson and Jerry Kulah actively obstructed UMC members from accessing their place of worship, asserting that the church building belonged to the GMC. Troublingly, long before this conflict erupted, members had voiced concerns regarding Jackson’s illicit possession of the church building for over five months, undermining the very foundation of our communal worship.

Jerry Kulah was arrested and detained by the police for obstructing worship services and inciting violence against members of The United Methodist Church. His actions not only disrupted the sacred act of worship but also fostered an environment of fear and intimidation among congregants who simply sought to gather in faith. While Jerry Kulah was subsequently released, he was signed for by other surrogates of the Global Methodist Church (GMC), and was requested by the police  that he return to the police headquarters the following Monday.

In stark contrast, Kenneth Jackson managed to evade law enforcement during this incident, remaining at large and continuing to pose a potential threat to the peace and safety of our congregations. His flight from the scene raises serious questions about accountability and the ongoing tensions within our community.

These actions—both by Kulah and Jackson—are not merely disruptive; they are criminal in nature and represent a grave violation of the principles of respect, love, and unity that we uphold as Christians. We must stand united in condemning such behavior. It is imperative that we, as a community, advocate for justice and accountability, ensuring that no individual is above the law.

Let us not remain mere spectators in this unfolding crisis. Instead, it is essential that we take active measures to ensure the safety and integrity of our places of worship. Now is the time to stand firm in our beliefs and protect the sanctity of our churches.

The attack on The Liberia Annual Conference is not merely a confrontation between two factions; it represents a larger struggle for the soul of our faith community. We urge all members of the UMC to not only pray for a resolution but also to take up arms—not of violence, but of unwavering conviction, solidarity, and love. Together, we can ensure that our churches remain havens of peace, acceptance, and unity in Christ, undeterred by outside forces intent on division.

Join us in this fight. Stand with us as we work towards healing, restoration, and a future where every United Methodist can worship freely without fear of disruption or violence. It is a noble cause that ultimately serves not just our local congregation, but the broader mission of the Church itself.

Jefferson Boye Knight serves as Director, Human Rights Monitor and Vice President, Men's Organization, Kakata-Farmington River District,  Liberia Annual Conference, The United Methodist Church.

Jeff